Original Founders Purchase Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Cidery from Anheuser-Busch

From Appalachian Mountain Brewery:

Boone, NC  – Rooted in the love of craft beer and a deep passion for the Carolinas, Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) was founded in 2011 in Boone, NC by Asheville natives and cousins Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber. They drew from their German heritage as well as their love for the outdoors and North Carolina to build AMB into an award-winning brewery that not only creates high-quality craft beer and ciders, but also gives back to its community. Becoming the first continuously operating brewery in Boone, NC., AMB’s original taproom opened in 2013 and quickly became known for their hospitality and producing beautifully balanced crafts with their own Southern twist.   zzubreebym

In 2014, AMB partnered with Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) to help increase production and expand distribution across the Carolinas and in 2018 CBA fully acquired the company. When CBA expanded its partnership with Anheuser-Busch (A-B) in 2021, AMB joined A-B’s craft portfolio, where among other milestones they partnered with Bojangles Restaurants to release Bojangles Hard Sweet Tea in North Carolina and South Carolina to overwhelming consumer excitement. Since then, Kelischek and Zieber have continued to lead the efforts of AMB under these different ownerships.

After reaching an agreement to purchase AMB from their partners at A-B, Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber share their sentiments, “We’re grateful to have spent the last two years as active founders within A-B’s craft portfolio and want to thank the people at A-B, including our fellow craft brewery founders, for the support, collaboration and friendship that we’ve enjoyed during our time together.”

As they embark on this new chapter, Kelischek and Zieber share what the future holds for AMB, “We will be shifting our focus immediately on growing our local team, opening our new taproom in Mills River, NC, and continuing our investment in sustainability and philanthropy efforts that make a difference in our North Carolina communities. This all hinges on producing the highest quality products and delivering a unique experience for our customers.”

Innovation and high standards have always remained at the core for Kelischek and Zieber. Adding to this reputation, AMB brought home 2 medals last week at the 2023 World Beer Cup®, including a Gold medal in the Golden or Blonde Ale category for Boone Creek Blonde Ale and a Silver in American-Style Lager category for their Down South Lager.

In addition to opening their new taproom in the Asheville area, Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Cidery will continue to own and operate their original location in Boone, North Carolina and offer their beers and ciders throughout the Carolinas with their same wholesale partners and retailers.

To learn more about Appalachian Mountain Brewery visit www.amb.beer or follow AMB on social media @appalachianmountainbrewery. For any questions or interview requests, please reach out to Ian Salzberg at [email protected].

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About Appalachian Mountain Brewery

AMB proudly lives out its values of community, philanthropy, and sustainability by supporting and revitalizing communities, mountains, and rivers. When AMB’s original taproom opened in 2013, AMB became the first brewery in Boone, NC, and quickly became known for its award-winning beer and laidback Southern hospitality. AMB has won multiple awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup for their Boone Creek Blonde Ale, Down South Lager and Hop Rain Drop IPA. Learn more about AMB at www.amb.beer or connect on social @appalachianmountainbrewery.